Restaurants and bars have played a major role in the revitalization of downtown Cape Coral. But there was one that famously lead the charge when it opened 11 years ago. Its closing in December was bittersweet for Southwest Florida dining fans, for many reasons. But that is changing. Nevermind reopens in Cape Coral this weekend and here is a sneak peek.
I was invited to friends and family night for a first look at the new menu and the fresh coat of paint. It’s common for restaurants to invite friends in for a sort of practice run before opening. It gives the kitchen a chance to work out any kinks on an audience that is forgiving.
Nevermind shakes up Cape Coral
Nevermind was the brainchild of well-known Southwest Florida restaurateur Shannon Yates. Shannon brought his unapologetic edginess and restaurant expertise to Cape Coral in 2012 along with a host of fans from all over Southwest Florida, including me. I was a frequent dinner at his restaurants beginning with Bacchus, a wine and tapas bar at The Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers. It was the first of many innovations for Shannon.
When he left Cru, also in The Bell Tower and announced his move to Cape Coral, the downtown dining scene was all but dead, with a few exceptions like Fish Tale Grill. He is credited with lighting a fire that forge the reimaging of the area. It’s booming today.
In 2021, Shannon passed away. He was 49 years old. Staff, fans and investors did their best to keep his vision alive. However, Nevermind closed at the end of last year.
Cult Carne was one of Shannon’s signature events at Nevermind. The meal surrounded a ridiculous amount or cut of meat. This was my place setting from the dinner held on his birthday, postmortem.
Nevermind reopens in Cape Coral
Saturday the restaurant is reopening to the public with a fresh feel and a menu Shannon would most certainly approve of. In fact, the kitchen is full of men you formerly work for him. In addition, his friend Mike Gavalia is one of the new owners. The longtime local restaurateur is partners with Waly Thomas and Dr. Brian Gear.
The mural of Shannon remains on the exterior of the building. The painting of Jack Nicholson from the movie “The Shining” remains on the wall in the bar. Much of the interior looks the same, just fresher. The menu has many of the cameos that Nevermind was known for. It looks good. It feels good.
Finally, Nevermind reopens in Cape Coral and here is a sneak peek from friends and family night. Congratulations team on keeping the lights on in this iconic, downtown restaurant and bar.
